2 events in Helena-West Helena, Arkansas
From big races to Saturday morning group runs—find trail running events and connect with the local endurance sports community.
Helena-West Helena
2 events in Helena-West Helena-
Sat, Apr 11, 2026 at 8:00 AMSee full details
Celebrating the unique culture and beauty of the Arkansas Delta, runners can expect a challenging and scenic course that showcases the beauty of the Delta region. Live music will be playing throughout the day, and delicious food from local vendors served after the run. Cupless event. BYO bottle/hydration pack recommended. Water jugs on course.
Location --> Kelly Courtyard, 415 Cherry St, Helena, AR 72342
"The first bit of the course runs through the town, Past the Delta Cultural Center, where the King Biscuit Blues radio show continues its daily broadcast, just as it has for over 80 years. Up the brick path of the levee walk overlooking the port of Helena. Looking down on the ruins of old warehouses and wholesalers as the bricks turn to gravel and you head out of town.
Leaving the levee and entering the national forest, the road moves further from the river. On the west side, Crowley’s Ridge rises steeply. As geologic features go, this one is pretty new. It was formed about 20,000 years ago as windborne glacial loess accumulated here. Helena is the southern end of the ridge, which extends about 200 miles north to Missouri and rises 250 feet above the otherwise pancake-flat region.
The riverside to the east is a dense tangle of thick, flat woods, interrupted occasionally by cypress swamp. At first glance, much of the scenery in the forest was not unlike the typical green tunnel you find elsewhere in the region, but as the eyes began to soften and adjust, differences appeared.
The trees that make the consistent canopy are considerably taller than most you find in the Ozark and Ouachita Mountains. The timber industry was a main source of wealth in the Delta in the 19th century, but most forests were cleared and turned to cotton, rice, and, later, soy fields. Most of the existing Arkansas mills are in the hilly parts of the state, and those forests are more likely to be interspersed with recent cuts.
The road itself was softer and sandier than non-Delta gravel roads, making for an ideal running surface.
There were more cool drinks waiting back at the finish, with mocktails and cold local Arkansas and Mississippi beer set up in a brick-lined picnic area that had once been a building. The live blues music and barbeque kept 100% of the participants there for hours after the race ended. The liveliness of the scene on that block that afternoon gave hints of what had been and could be again in Helena.
Achieving that vibrancy and highlighting the culture and natural beauty of the town and surrounding areas is very much the intention of the organizers of the Delta Dash run and accompanying Delta Grind ride. The events are organized primarily by the nonprofit StudioDrift, which aims to revitalize the Delta through placemaking and adventure tourism." Read the rest of Brian Hurley's recap here: www.irunfar.com/recovery-run-running-as-revitalization-in-the-arkansas-delta
"The perfect mash-up of fun and folly, all to support the creation of the Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail," said Ammen Jordan, Director of studioDRIFT. "Helena is the perfect basecamp for a weekend of adventure."
Cupless event. BYO bottle/hydration pack recommended. Water jugs on course.
27K tickets include lunch and music. Delta Grind is a family-friendly event that is open to the public.
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Fri, Apr 09, 2027 at 8:00 AMSee full details
MILE ZERO
Delta Outdoor Festival
RIDE • RUN • PADDLE • BIRD
Mile Zero is a weekend celebration of the Arkansas Delta’s beautiful landscape. Formerly known as the Delta Grind, this rebrand reflects a new chapter rooted in Helena’s identity as the "gateway to the Delta"—where trails, rivers, history, and culture converge. Helena, one of Arkansas's most historic and significant Mississippi River ports, is a city with a deep and complex history.
Join us for a rally-style celebration blending world-class riding and running with birding and paddling opportunities that highlight the region’s vibrant soul: live music, local food, and heritage. Here is a slide show to get you fired up to register.
ADVENTURE • CULTURE • COMMUNITY
“Mile Zero is more than an outdoor festival — it’s a strategic step toward positioning Helena as a hub for recreation, culture, and community vitality,” — Ammen Jordan, Director of studioDRIFT. “Our goal is to make outdoor recreation accessible to all. Through partnerships with local public schools and the Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail Project, we are breaking down barriers, fostering community growth, and enhancing the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.”
WEEKEND SCHEDULE
Friday, April 9: Shakeout & Socialize
Kick off the weekend at Delta Dirt (430 Cherry St)
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3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Social Spin (10 - 25 miles, mixed route) - Free
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3:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Running Tour of Helena (2-3 miles, murals & Civil War history) - Free
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Evening: Art show and music at 430 Cherry St
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Bonus: Head over to the Juke Joint Festival in Clarksdale, MS
Saturday, April 10: Main Event
All Saturday events staging at Kelley Courtyard (415 Cherry St).
The Low Road Marathon
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7:00 – 8:00 AM: Check-in
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8:15 AM: Bus Departs
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9:00 AM: Race Start
- Marianna to Helena via rolling gravel roads, mixed hardwood forests and spring-fed bayous, superb.
Road & Gravel Cycling
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8:00 – 9:30 AM: Check-in
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9:45 AM: Pre-ride Meeting
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10:00 AM: Start
- Choose your own adventure - from flat and scenic paths to super fun gravel - a bicycle playground!
Half Marathon, 5K, & Mural Mile
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8:00 – 9:30 AM: Check-in
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10:10 AM: Start
- Discover historic landmarks and beautiful views
Afterparty
- 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Community Bike Celebration
- Helena Fire Department will be grilling, bike giveaways, and kids' activities
- 2 - 5 PM Festival
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Lunch - burgers, hotdogs & BBQ
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Headliner - Will Coppage - a Mississippi-born singer-songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, whose music blends cinematic indie storytelling with raw emotional energy. Want to skip the outdoor activities? Get music only tickets here.
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Raffle will take place at 3pm - Specialized Sirrus X 2.0 // MRSP $850 - get more tickets here
- 12 – 8 PM: Delta Dirt Distillery Birthday Party
- Spring menu launch & return of Deep Roots & Sweet Roots
- 6 -7:30 PM - Sunset Serenity - Kayak Tour of Hornor Neck Lake
- Drift into evening glow on a peaceful kayak tour with a park interpreter. Limited space; pre-register at (870) 295-4040. ($18 Adults / $12 Children)
Sunday, April 11: Explore & Restore
- 8 AM – 12 PM: Guided Birdbiking
- Free guided excursion during peak migration, full plumage and song.
- 9 - 10 AM: Birding Basics at Storm Creek Lake Nature Trailhead
- Join a park interpreter in a 1-mile hike to discover the joy of birding on Storm Creek Trail. With early spring migration, this is a wonderful time to spot colorful visitors such as warblers, Orioles, and buntings. All ages welcome. Binoculars and field guides will be available while supplies last. Wear sturdy shoes, bring water, and don’t forget insect repellent.
- 8 AM – 12 PM: Guided Nature Walk
- Habitat Harry will point out the vibrant wildlife and stunning scenery that make this landscape so legendary. ($20)
- 9 AM: Casual Group Ride/Run from Delta Dirt (430 Cherry St)
- Free, no drop, casual, not to be missed
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10 AM – 3 PM: Buck Island Canoe Adventure with Quapaw Canoe Company
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12 - 5 PM: Pedal and Paddle Tour - Guided bike and kayak tour led by Delta Heritage Trail park interpreter.
- Meet at the Barton visitor center and caravan to Old Town Lake. 8-mile bike ride followed by 1.5 hour guided kayak tour. All equipment is included in the registration fee and no kayaking experience is necessary.
o Limited space; preregistration required.
o Call (870) 572-2352
o Adults - $26.00; Children (10-12 y.o.) - $16.00
- 3 – 4 PM: Watercolor by the Water’s Edge @ Bear Creek Day Use Area
- Join a park interpreter for a relaxing lakeside watercolor session. All skill levels welcome. Supplies are limited or bring your own. Capture the beauty of the water’s edge with color and creativity (Free)
SATURDAY ROUTE OPTIONS
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Cycling Routes - view on RideWithGPS
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Running/Walking Routes - view on RideWithGPS
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Bikepacking to the event? Here's a collection of regional routes
WHAT YOU WILL EXPERIENCE
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Rolling topography unlike anywhere else in the Arkansas Delta
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Remote routes winding through rugged hills and hardwood forests
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Historic farming communities with rich blues music and cultural
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An adventure that flows like a true expedition — varied terrain, deeply scenic and endlessly rewarding
WHY THIS ADVENTURE IS UNIQUE
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A true regional destination with elements that speak to your wandering souls
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Long distances through unusual terrain
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Fascinating landscapes with geological and cultural storytelling
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Remote stretches with resupply and aid stations punctuating the effort
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A broader purpose: community impact and rural reinvention
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For riders who chase epics that matter, this is a place where miles and meaning meet.
WHAT TO EXPECT
- Routes are Unmarked
- You MUST have a GPS app or printed directions
- Zero Waste
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Bring your own cup/bottle/hydration pack.
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Water jugs will be available on the course.
- Aid stations
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Marianna - 34.774744, -90.759884
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Low Road Y southeast of Storm Creek Lake - 34.594801, -90.604263
- Self-Supported
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Bring your own repair kits and tools.
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Rolling SAG for DNF only.
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Bring cash for convenience store treats
RAFFLE PRIZES COURTESY OF THE RIDE CONWAY:
- Raffle tickets for a brand-new Specialized Sirrus (MSRP $850) are still available.
- Every ticket you buy gets us closer to our $5,000 community goal.
- Gravel tires, handlebar tape, tool wraps, torque wrench sets, and CO2 pumps.
LODGING
- Camping
- Storm Creek Lake (Full-service sites & camper cabins)
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Boutique: The Edwardian Inn Bed & Breakfast
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More Options: King Biscuit Blues Festival Lodging List
TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN HELENA
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Delta Cultural Center Museum: Music heritage (9am-5pm).
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Harbor View Trail: One-mile loop in Helena River Park. Link
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DIY Mural Tour: Explore city-wide art on wheels or foot. Link
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History Sites: African American & Confederate Cemeteries.
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Big River Loop Trail: Visit Buck Island Beach. Link
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Delta Dirt Distillery: Nation’s only Black-owned farm-to-bottle distillery.
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Delta Heritage Trail: Log miles and spot migratory birds.
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Delta Fish Market: World-famous fried catfish (10am-8pm).
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History Buff Tour: Civil War and Underground Railroad landmarks. Link
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DIY Paddling: Rent gear via phone at Mississippi River State Park.
EVENT PARTNERS
The entire community of Helena-West Helena
Ecological Design Group
The Ozark Foundation
The RIDE Conway // Thrive, Inc. // Mississippi River State Park
WHY HELENA?
Originally thriving as a primary steamboat stop and the center of a prosperous cotton and timber empire, Helena’s geography at the southern foot of Crowley’s Ridge made it a strategic cornerstone of the Delta. Over time, the decline of river-based commerce and the mechanization of agriculture forced the community to reinvent itself. Today, a new economic growth strategy focused on heritage tourism, outdoor recreation, and the arts is transforming the community.
However, like many rural communities in the region, the city is facing compounding demographic and economic challenges. The population has experienced a sharp decline and is struggling with the outmigration of its workforce and youth. The area faces both a consistently high poverty rate and the shortest life expectancy in Arkansas — nearly five years less than the national average.
CROWLEY’S RIDGE GRAVEL TRAIL?
The development of the Crowley’s Ridge Gravel Trail is a critical component of this revitalization effort, serving to both improve the quality of live and serve as a regional economic engine. Crowley’s Ridge is a unique geological anomaly — an island of adventure rising up to 250 feet above the sorrounding Delta farmland — offering an experience that is entirely distinct. By formalizing and expanding routes and natural surface trails along the ridge, we are creating a world-class recreational asset that capitalizes on the global trends in outdoor recreation.
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